The survey results show that for 29per cent of people living in the Maribyrnong catchment, walking, jogging or running is their main reason for visiting a waterway.

Family outings were the next most popular (26per cent), followed by relaxation (15per cent) and dog walking (13per cent).

Of the 1500 people surveyed, 20per cent said they visited a waterway on a monthly basis, 17per cent once a week and 17per cent every three months.

Two-thirds of people spent between 30 minutes and two hours at the waterway.

Melbourne Water's Chris Chesterfield said of the 8400 kilometres of rivers and creeks in greater Melbourne, 1277 kilometres were in the Maribyrnong catchment.

"The No.1 reason for people in Maribyrnong and Yarra catchments visiting a waterway was exercise, whereas an outing with family or friends was the most popular drawcard in Dandenong, Werribee and Westernport catchments.

"The survey shows that Melburnians place a high social value on their local waterway."

Details: Melbourne Water's Healthy Waterways.